Phoenix Brain Injury Attorney

Fighting for Victims With Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) in Arizona

The human brain is immensely complex, and though it is capable of impressive feats and functions, it is also highly susceptible to injury. When injuries to the brain do occur, they pose the potential for profound and life-altering consequences.

As attorneys with extensive experience representing clients who suffer preventable injuries, our team at MayesTelles PLLC knows traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can make for difficult and unpredictable recoveries, unclear prognoses, and considerable damages for victims and their families. As advocates, it’s our job to help clients fight for compensation that is so very critical to their futures.

Did you or a loved one suffer a brain injury due to another’s negligence? MayesTelles PLLC can review your case during a FREE consultation and help you explore your rights to recover compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Long-term or permanent disabilities
• Lost income / lost future earnings
• Rehabilitation costs
• Emotional pain and suffering

Call us today at (602) 428-7104 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our brain injury attorney in Phoenix.

Understanding Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a type of acquired brain injury, meaning they are not hereditary or present at birth. Instead, they typically result from external trauma to the brain, such as a blunt force impact, or due to medical negligence, unsafe medications, and toxic exposure.

Although there are various terms used to describe specific types of brain injuries (including contusions, coup-contrecoup, diffuse axonal, and penetration injuries), brain injuries are generally categorized as one of the following:

• Mild: Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) are concussions. The word “mild” in mTBI does not necessarily describe the symptoms victims experience, but rather the severity of the initial injury. Concussions can occur in a range of accidents, and may result from a direct blow to the head, or the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the brain within the skull (such as in the case of car accidents and whiplash). Concussions can occur with or without loss of consciousness.
• Moderate: Brain injuries are classified as “moderate” TBIs when the initial trauma results in more than 30 minutes of unconsciousness, but less than 24 hours of unconsciousness.
• Severe: Severe traumatic brain injuries are those that result in a loss of consciousness (or coma) that exceeds 24 hours, as well as post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) for more than 24 hours. Severe TBIs may result in a vegetative state or a minimally responsive state.

According to the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), someone in the U.S. suffers a brain injury every 9 seconds, and at least 2.5 million adults and children suffer brain injuries each year. Unfortunately, many of these victims require hospitalization and extensive treatment for lasting deficits and long-term disabilities. At least 50,000 people die from these injuries each year.

What are the Common Symptoms of brain Injuries?

While there are a number of symptoms associated with brain injuries, it is important to remember that TBIs are notoriously unpredictable, and that the presence of symptoms and their severity can range from person to person. Still, all forms of TBI pose potential symptoms that may affect a victim’s cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being.

Cognitive or Mental:

• Memory or concentration problems
• Disorientation or confusion
• Decreased ability to process/decreased awareness
• Decreased executive function (i.e., organization, problem solving)
• Impulsiveness

Emotional Symptoms:

• Anxiety or depression
• Changes in mood
• Dependent behavior
• Irritability/anger
• Apathy / decreased motivation

Physical Symptoms:

• Dizziness and/or loss of balance
• Physical paralysis or weakness
• Problems with speech (aphasia)
• Fatigue, drowsiness, excessive sleeping
• Headaches, nausea, and/or vomiting
• Vision changes, including partial or total vision loss
• Increased sensitivity to light or sound / ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Blurred vision or double vision
• Difficulty with depth perception, involuntary eye movement (nystagmus)
• Diminished sense of smell (anosmia) or taste

Brain injury symptoms may not be immediately or readily apparent, and may become worse over time. Additionally, some brain injuries can become medical emergencies when there is bleeding in the brain, which is why an immediate medical evaluation is always advised.

Common Causes of Brain Injuries

As personal injury lawyers, our team represents clients who have suffered brain injuries in a range of preventable accidents. Below are some of the most common causes of TBI:

• Falls & Falling Objects: Falls cause most brain injuries, especially among older adults and children. When brain injuries result from premises accidents involving slip and falls, falling objects, workplace accidents, or similar incidents, victims may seek compensation from the at-fault party.
• Commercial Truck Accidents: Truck and tractor-trailer accidents can result in severe TBIs. Truck collisions have a high risk of serious injury due to the sheer size and weight differences, and experienced attorneys can help determine liability in these cases involving truck operators, maintenance companies, or manufacturers.
• Auto, Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents: Passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists are especially vulnerable to brain injuries on Phoenix roads. Negligence by drivers can leave victims with medical bills and hardships that require careful pursuit of compensation.
• Assault & Physical Violence: Physical altercations cause many TBIs, especially in adults. In some cases, such as after accidental shootings or assaults, victims may have grounds for claims against negligent property owners or parties who fail to provide adequate security.
• Sports Injuries: TBIs frequently occur in youth and adult sports. State laws and local athletic programs in Phoenix require players to be removed from play for evaluation if a head injury is suspected. Negligent supervision or inadequate medical response can be grounds for a claim.

FAQs

What Should I Do After Suffering a Brain Injury?

Seek immediate medical attention and follow all care recommendations. Prompt treatment not only protects your health but also creates vital records for any future legal claim. If possible, document details about the incident, collect witness information, and keep all medical and expense records related to your injury.

How Long Do I Have to File a Brain Injury Claim in Arizona?

In most cases, Arizona law allows two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If government agencies or public property are involved, shorter deadlines may apply. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible helps ensure you do not miss key deadlines that could affect your case.

Can I Recover Damages for Emotional Suffering After a Brain Injury?

Yes. Arizona law allows victims to seek compensation for emotional pain and suffering resulting from a traumatic brain injury. Non-economic damages are considered alongside medical costs, lost wages, and other financial losses.

How Is Fault Determined in a Brain Injury Claim?

Arizona follows a comparative fault system, which means more than one party can share responsibility for an injury. Evidence, witness statements, accident reports, and medical records help determine fault percentages for all those involved.

What Types of Evidence Support a Brain Injury Claim?

Key evidence includes medical records, diagnostic imaging, accident or police reports, witness statements, and documentation of financial losses. Photos of the scene and records from neurologists or rehabilitation specialists also strengthen your case.

Can Family Members Recover Damages If the Victim Cannot?

If a brain injury leaves a person unable to act for themselves, Arizona law may allow family members or representatives to file a claim on their behalf. Families may also have separate claims if the injury causes loss of consortium or other direct impacts.

Contact Our Brain Injury Attorney in Phoenix Today

MayesTelles PLLC is available 24/7 to help injured victims and families understand their rights and options for pursuing personal injury lawsuits, including claims involving brain injuries. If you have a potential claim, rely on a team with nearly 200 years of combined experience. Call (602) 428-7104 24/7 to speak with an attorney.

Contact us today to get started with our Phoenix brain injury lawyer.